1. Articles of Confederation And Constitution
12 slides total (including this slide!)

2. Ideals of American Government
The foundation for our government came from the Declaration of Independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their created with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

3. AofC Basics Created at the Second Continental Congress
Was Approved by all 13 States
Began to operate in 1781
Formed a Confederation – or loose association of states
Each state had equal powers and limited national government

4. AofC Lawmaking One House Legislature called Congress
States sent representatives to Congress but only had one vote each.
9 of 13 states had to agree to pass a law.
AofC did not call for a president to enforce the laws.
Each state was responsible for carrying out the nations laws.

5. Top 10 Weaknesses of AofC
1. States given most of the power; few powers given to the national government.
2. Congress elected by the state legislature.
3. Laws difficult to pass.
4. Congress could not collect taxes
5. Congress could not regulate trade

6. Top 10 Weaknesses of AofC 6. Congress could not coin money
7. Congress could not establish armed forces – each state had their own.
8. No president or executive branch
9. No system of national courts
10. Changes to the AofC needed to be approved by all 13 states.

7. Because of all this…
May 1787 Constitutional Convention was called to start rewriting the AofC.
Instead the Constitution was born.
55 delegates, or representatives attended.
The meetings were secret so delegates could speak freely.

8. Biggest Issue Most serious debates were about the legislature
Large States wanted representation based on population
Small states wanted representation equal for all states

9. The Great Compromise Compromise – both parties give a little to agree
Two-house legislature
Senate is made of equal representation
House of Representatives is made based on population

10. Ten Strengths of the Constitution
1. States keep some power, important power given to National Government
2. Congress is elected by the people
3. Laws are easier to pass (majority vote required)
4. Congress can collect taxes
5. Congress regulates interstate and foreign trade

11. Ten Strengths of the Constitution
6. Congress coins national money
7. Congress establishes national navy and army
8. President enforces laws
9. National Court System to interpret laws
10. Bill of Rights added to ensure people’s rights

12. Last Slide! Signed September 1787
Had to be ratified by 9 of 13 states – each state setting up a special convention to vote
Hotly debated between Federalist (people who favored a strong national government) and Anti-Federalist (people who opposed the new Constitution)
Went into effect 1789 – North Carolina and Rhode Island did not approve until it was in effect